GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Alexandrite

A gemstone described as ‘an emerald by day and a ruby by night’. This gemstone has the ability to change colour from green in daylight to red in candlelight. First discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains in Russia. Read more

Amber

An organic gemstone created from fossilized tree resin, used in adornments since the New Stone Age. Read more

Amethyst

A beautiful deep violet purple variety of the mineral quartz, and the most well known and most prized variety. In many cultures and throughout the ages, Amethyst has been said to protect the wearer from many problems such as the powers of seduction, drunkenness, locusts, aid in the winning of wars, help against insect bites and stomach acid. Most amethyst comes from Zambia. Read more

Ametrine

A naturally occurring variety of quartz. A mixture of amethyst and citrine, ametrine has zones of purple and yellow, and sometimes tinge of orange. Read more

Andalusite

An aluminium silicate that is named after the southern Spanish province of Andalusia. It displays different colours in different directions and features all of its colours all at once. Read more

Antique

A collectible object, which has more value because of its age or the era it was created in. It is considered that to be ‘antique’, an item should have been made over 100 years ago.

Antiques Cushion

1830s – 1900. This is often referred to as a ‘pillow’ shape. It has a large or ‘open’ culet and is rectangular to square, with rounded corners. Like the modern emerald cut, your eyes will delve deep into an antique cushion cut stone.

Aquamarine

A bluey green transparent variety of beryl, the name is meant to suggest the colour of seawater. The gemstone aquamarine is associated with trust, harmony, friendship and good feelings in general. 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale. Aqua in ancient times was credited with aiding sleep, protecting sailors and counteracting the effects of poison. Read more

Art Deco

This term refers to the decorative art style of the 1920s and 1930s. Bold geometric shapes and opulence characterized the style of the era.

Art Modern

A modification of the Art Deco Era, which extended into the 1940s and 1950s. This was an era of designer signed ‘glitzy’ jewellery. This era was often also referred to as ‘retro’.

Art Nouveau

An era where all decorative arts were characterized by curved lines; inspiration came from flowers, plants and natural forms. This era extended over the Victorian and Edwardian eras, from around 1890-1910.

Asscher Cut

A unique diamond cut that was developed in 1902 by the Asscher brothers. They were initially famous for cutting the worlds largest stone, the Culinan (3106 carats), and is characterized by its shape, which is similar to an emerald cut, but square and with larger step facets and cut corners. The Asscher cut peaked in demand in the 1920’s, but since the early 2000’s has had a resurgence in popularity.

Asterism

A phenomenon whereby tiny inclusions in a gemstone produce star-like rays across the surface of the stone.